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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Comeback Kid
11/13/2007 | Football
By Elizabeth Zaremba
Athletics Media Relations Student Assistant
If there is anyone deserving of the title comeback kid, it's Darryl Harris. Fighting numerous injuries to his back and most recently his right knee, he has not seen as much action with the Rebels as expected.
The senior from Clarksdale was a first-team All-Division 4A and second team All-State selection at Clarksdale High, while leading the Wildcats to the 2000-2002 Division 3-4A championship and North Half 4A title, 2001 State 4A state championship, and 2002 Division 3-4A championship.
After joining the Rebels in 2003, Harris redshirted and received the Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Harris has played various positions on the offensive line during his tenure with the Rebels, but injuries have limited him. Now in his final season, Harris is happy for the time he has on the field.
"It's been special to get back on the field, especially with this being my last year," he said.
With his limited playing time, Harris has had more time to excel academically, earning a spot on the UMAA Honor Roll in the fall of 2003, 2004 and 2006. Harris has also found time for another hobby of his: selling candles.
"It's something my aunt has me do so I can earn extra money during the school year," Harris said laughing.
Harris has received some good business, as he occasionally sells the candles for his aunt around campus. He even answered the question on everyone's mind.
"A lot of my teammates buy them for their girlfriends," Harris said. "They'll tell their friends, and that is how I usually make money."
Harris' business will have to wait as his return from injury has him playing more this season. As a right tackle in 2006, Harris only played in three games. It took him until homecoming against Louisiana Tech this season for him to play again.
From center to guard, Harris has been versatile for the Rebels, but he said his role at right tackle was the toughest for him.
"Guard is easier because you have more help from the center," Harris said. "All and all, it can go hand in hand, though."
As the season winds down, the annual Egg Bowl against Mississippi State reminds Harris of a once special friend and former teammate, State's Darren Williams. Williams was shot and killed in 2006, and Harris tries to keep in touch with Williams' family.
"It was real tough, and then seeing his mother. I talked to her basically every time I went home."
From his injuries to the loss of his friend, Harris has fought many battles while at Ole Miss. Despite these, he has had many great memories and knows that his time with the Rebels is coming to an end.
"It kind of hits me every day like whenever I walk in to the locker room and I'm in there by myself," Harris said. "It may be more emotional in my last game. It is going to hit me."
Even though Harris has played more of an emotional role for the team, his work and drive is an inspiration for the Rebels.
